Zinnia elegans Benary's Giant Scarlet

Zinnia elegans Benary's Giant Scarlet 

Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' is a top-tier zinnia variety, recommended by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers for its exceptional performance, high yields, and long vase life. Featuring 4-6 inch (10-15 cm), fully double, dahlia-like blooms in a rich scarlet red, this variety is a must-have for cut flower production, garden borders, and pollinator-friendly plantings.

With long, sturdy stems, excellent disease resistance, and outstanding heat tolerance, 'Benary’s Giant Scarlet' is a cut-and-come-again flower, yielding multiple harvests throughout the season. It thrives in full sun and warm temperatures, ensuring continuous blooms from summer through early autumn.

Key Features:

✔ Large, fully double scarlet-red blooms
✔ Strong, long stems – excellent for cut flowers
✔ Heat and rain-tolerant with low susceptibility to powdery mildew
✔ Cut-and-come-again variety for multiple harvests
✔ Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Growing Information:

• Days to Maturity: 75-90 days
• Plant Height: 90-120 cm (36-48 in)
• Plant Spacing: 20-30 cm (8-12 in)
• Light Requirement: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Fertile, well-drained soil (pH 5.8-6.8)
• Vase Life: 7-10 days
• Best Uses: Cut flower production, bedding plants, pollinator gardens

How to Grow Zinnia 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'

Sowing Instructions:

• Indoor Sowing (Recommended):

  • Start indoors 4-6 weeks before transplanting.
  • Sow 1 seed per plug in well-drained, nutrient-low media with pH 5.8-6.2.
  • Cover lightly with vermiculite.
  • Germination occurs in 7-10 days at 20-22°C (68-72°F).

• Direct Sowing:

  • Sow ¼ inch deep directly in the field after the last frost.
  • Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart for optimal growth.

Growing On:

• Transplant at two true leaf stage into well-drained soil.
• Maintain a temperature of 15-18°C (60-65°F) for strong growth.
• Fertilize weekly with 100-150 ppm nitrogen, using a balanced mix.
• Pinching recommended at 30 cm (12 in) height to encourage branching.

Care Tips:

• Avoid high ammonium and nitrogen levels, as excess nitrogen weakens stems.
• Apply magnesium sulfate (0.05%) and iron chelate as needed to prevent deficiencies.
• Harden plants before transplanting by gradually lowering temperatures to 12-14°C (54-57°F).
• Protect against strong winds when planting in open fields.

Why Choose 'Benary's Giant Scarlet' Zinnia?

✔ High-yield variety with exceptional vase life
✔ Perfect for fresh floral arrangements and bouquets
✔ Easy to grow, highly disease-resistant, and heat-tolerant

Bring bold, fiery color to your garden with Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Scarlet'! Order premium seeds today!